Greater Milwaukee Polar Plunges: Complete 2026 Guide

Ring in 2026 by jumping into frigid Lake Michigan with thousands of fellow Wisconsinites—or simply cheer from the shore with hot cocoa in hand. The greater Milwaukee area offers multiple polar plunge opportunities, from the legendary Bradford Beach tradition to charity-focused events supporting Special Olympics athletes. Here's everything families need to know to participate or spectate at these uniquely Midwestern celebrations.

New Year's Day 2026 brings local plunges

Families have multiple options for starting 2026 with an icy splash. The most popular remains Milwaukee's Bradford Beach, where thousands gather annually for an unorganized but beloved tradition. Those seeking a more intimate, community-focused experience will find the Shorewood plunge at Atwater Beach particularly appealing, complete with a chili cookoff afterward. Charity-minded families can head to Racine or Kenosha, where donations benefit local food banks and rescue squads.

Water temperature warning: Lake Michigan hovers around 37-40°F on New Year's Day. Air temperatures typically range from the upper 20s to low 30s. These events happen rain, sleet, snow, or shine—only dangerous wind chills prompt modifications.

Bradford Beach: Milwaukee's biggest polar plunge

The Bradford Beach Polar Bear Plunge represents Milwaukee's largest and longest-running winter swim, with roots tracing back over a century to printer James G. Brazell's 1911 winter swims. Today's iteration draws thousands of participants and spectators for a festive, tailgate-style celebration.

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, January 1, 2026

• Time: Participants gather 10 AM–2 PM; most plunges occur around noon

• Location: Bradford Beach, 2400 N. Lincoln Memorial Drive, Milwaukee, WI 53211

• Cost: Completely FREE

• Registration: None required—just show up

• Age restrictions: Family-friendly, all ages welcome

What to expect: This is a spontaneous community gathering, not a formally organized event. The atmosphere resembles a winter beach party with tents, bonfires, grills cooking brats and burgers, music, and participants in everything from swimsuits to elaborate polar bear costumes. Milwaukee Fire Department paramedics station themselves in the water for safety.

Parking tip: Arrive early—spaces fill quickly along Lincoln Memorial Drive. Some years offer shuttle service from downtown establishments.

Shorewood's Atwater Beach

The Gentlemen of Shorewood Polar Plunge provides a more neighborhood-focused experience with a beloved post-plunge tradition: voting in the annual Shorewood Chili Cookoff at participating local restaurants competing for the coveted "Golden Spoon" award.

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, January 1, 2026 (Fifth Annual)

• Time: 11 AM–1 PM; plunge at HIGH NOON

• Location: Atwater Park/Beach, 4000 North Lake Drive, Shorewood, WI 53211

• Cost: Free to plunge; $5 donation to Kinship MKE to vote in chili cookoff

• Organizer: The Gentlemen of Shorewood (community group founded 2017)

• Charity: Kinship MKE (Kinship Community Food Center)

Family-friendly features: Live music plays from the bluff observation deck, where non-swimmers can watch "the silliness" while staying warm. Free coffee and hot chocolate are provided. The event received a $2,000 Shorewood Foundation grant for amenities including tenting, lifeguard staffing, and emergency services.

Access considerations: Reaching the beach requires descending 100+ steep stairs or using the wheelchair-accessible paved zigzag path. Small children may find the stairs challenging. The park features playgrounds at both the top and bottom of the bluffs.

Parking: Free street parking along Lake Drive—arrive early as spaces are limited during events.

Special Olympics Polar Plunge for charity

For families wanting their icy dip to make a tangible difference, the Special Olympics Wisconsin Polar Plunge supports over 14,000 athletes competing in 19 Olympic-style sports across Wisconsin.

2026 Event Details

• Date: Feb. 6 in Milwaukee

• Location: Milwaukee County Zoo

• Registration: Required at PlungeWI.org

• Fundraising minimum: $100 per participant

Age restrictions apply:

• Children under 12 cannot plunge

• Ages 12-15 require parent/guardian present

• Under 18 requires parental consent during registration

Participation options beyond the traditional plunge:

• Cool Schools Plunger: For school groups and Unified Champion Schools

• Polar Pledger: Support without getting wet (donate $25+ for Jersey Mike's BOGO coupon)

• D.I.Y. Alternative Plunge: Create your own plunge experience anywhere

• Toss Your Boss: Corporate fundraising category

Incentives: Reaching the $100 minimum earns an official long-sleeve Polar Plunge t-shirt with unique annual design. Additional incentives unlock at $250, $500, $750, and $1,000+ levels.

Safety features: Law enforcement and fire department volunteers in wet suits stand in the water. Separate heated changing areas for men and women, with gender-neutral/family options at some sites.

Regional plunges worth the short drive

Racine Splash and Dash (36th Annual)

Racine's long-running tradition combines a 5K run/walk with a polar plunge, supporting multiple local charities including the Racine County Food Bank, HALO (Homeless Assistance Leadership Organization), and The Hospitality Center.

• Date: January 1, 2026

• Plunge time: Noon

• Location: North Beach, 100 Kewaunee Street, Racine

• 5K start: 10:30 AM (optional, $25 registration at DashAndSplash5K.run)

• Cost: Free to plunge; $20 donation earns a t-shirt; $150+ gets a tie-dye shirt

• Warm-up spot: Racine Yacht Club (1 Barker Street) opens at 9 AM—public welcome

Fundraising impact: This event consistently raises over $20,000 annually for local hunger relief and homeless services.

Kenosha Simmons Island Plunge

A decades-long family tradition run by the Vaccaro family (Diver Dan's Scuba Center) supporting the Scout Leaders Rescue Squad.

• Date: January 1, 2026

• Time: 11 AM (arrive by 10:30 AM)

• Location: Simmons Island Beach, 5001 Fourth Avenue, Kenosha

• Cost: Free; donations requested for Scout Leaders Rescue Squad

• Safety: Rescue squad divers in water

Sheboygan Polar Bear Swim (50+ Years Running)

Wisconsin's longest continuously running polar plunge, active since 1973.

• Date: January 1, 2026

• Time: 1 PM

• Location: Deland Park, 715 Broughton Drive, Sheboygan

• Registration: Sign up starting 10 AM at Pier 17

• After-party: Dave's Who's Inn (835 Indiana Avenue) offers complimentary hot chocolate and cider

• Typical attendance: 400+ swimmers

What North Shore families should know

Residents of Whitefish Bay, Fox Point, Bayside, Mequon, Glendale, and River Hills won't find organized polar plunges at local beaches like Klode Park, Big Bay Park, Virmond Park, or Doctor's Park. The closest option is Bradford Beach (10-15 minute drive from most North Shore communities) or the Shorewood Atwater Beach plunge.

For year-round cold water swimming, the Milwaukee Cold Water Club led by Paul Koepnick meets daily at sunrise at Klode Beach in Whitefish Bay. Koepnick—who has completed 1,300+ consecutive days of Lake Michigan cold dips—brings a pop-up sauna tent to Bradford Beach on New Year's Day.

Ozaukee County residents interested in the Special Olympics plunge can join the "Ozaukee Freezers" team by contacting Phil Konrath at Phil@transitionscoachingllc.com.

The essential polar plunge packing list

First-time plungers consistently underestimate how important post-plunge preparation is. Your body will feel like it's going into shock—having the right supplies ready makes the difference between an exhilarating memory and a miserable experience.

For the plunge itself:

• Water shoes or old sneakers (lake bottoms are rocky—never go barefoot)

• Swimsuit or quick-dry clothing

• Goggles (optional, for those going under)

For immediate recovery:

• Multiple towels (you'll use more than you think)

• Dry warm socks and winter boots (warming your feet is priority #1)

• Hand and foot heating packs (multiple sets)

• Loose-fitting dry clothes without snaps or zippers (cold fingers struggle with fasteners)

• Layering sweatshirts and sweatpants

• Wool blankets or a sleeping bag (highly recommended)

• Plastic bag for wet clothes

• Complete change of underwear

For comfort:

• Thermos of hot beverage

• Snacks

• Portable tent or windbreak (optional but helpful)

• Camp chairs

First-timer tips from veteran plungers

Before you plunge: Walk slowly into the water—never run. The rocky bottom and shock of cold water create a falling hazard. Take deep breaths as you enter. Prepare mentally for your body's gasp reflex when the cold hits.

During the plunge: Most participants stay in the water only 30-60 seconds. There's no shame in a quick dip—this isn't an endurance contest. Going fully under is optional.

After the plunge: Remove wet clothing immediately—don't stand around chatting in your wet swimsuit. Have a helper ready with towels and dry clothes. The warming-up process takes longer than the plunge itself. Drink something warm, keep moving, and layer up.

For spectators and support crew: Position yourself close to where your plunger will exit the water. Have towels open and ready to wrap around them immediately. Warm drinks and dry clothes should be within arm's reach—cold plungers lose dexterity quickly.

Quick reference: 2026 event calendar

Event Date Time Location Cost Best For Bradford Beach Jan 1 ~Noon Milwaukee FREE Biggest crowd, festive atmosphere Atwater Beach (Shorewood) Jan 1 Noon Shorewood FREE/$5 chili vote Families, community feel, chili cookoff Kenosha Simmons Island Jan 1 11 AM Kenosha FREE Southern suburbs, rescue squad charity Racine Splash & Dash Jan 1 Noon Racine FREE/$20 shirt 5K runners, food bank charity Sheboygan Jan 1 1 PM Sheboygan FREE Northern drive, 50-year tradition Special Olympics WI Feb/Mar Noon TBA (Muskego area) $100 min Major charity impact, ages 12+